The Best Travel-Friendly Charging Solutions for Mobile Devices

Whether you’re a regular globetrotter or just someone who likes to step out once in a while, keeping your mobile devices charged can sometimes be more complicated than it should be. Airports and hotels are not always reliable, and you never know when you’ll find your next charging point if you’re heading out into the wild. Find the best travel-friendly charging solutions for your favorite devices with this quick guide.

The Search For The Right Charger

Before we discuss the best travel-friendly charging solutions for globetrotters, it’s worth examining some of the biggest problems facing travelers today.

• Limited Availability is by far the biggest issue facing travelers today. International travel has only increased in density, while infrastructure has largely remained stagnant, both in the U.S. and abroad. You can’t assume you’ll find a free outlet wherever you go.

• Outlet Compatibility: Different countries employ different electrical outlet standards, and voltage standards can also vary drastically. For frequent travelers, this usually means packing a couple of universal adapters for the road. If you forget or even lose one of these adapters, getting to 100% is easier said than done.

• Limited Mobility: The last thing anyone wants to do while on vacation is be tethered to an inconvenient charging point out in the open. Public charging outlets can make it incredibly difficult to use your phone while charging, which can be a problem if you need to call a cab in a pinch.

• Security Concerns: Leaving your phone plugged in and charging at a public charging station has always been a significant security concern. Additionally, the increasing incidence of ‘juice-jacking’ has made travelers wary of using these outlets. USB points can now easily be compromised and used to steal your data.

The Best Travel-Friendly Charging Solutions

Portable Power Banks

Portable power banks have been the go-to charging solution for nearly a decade now, and it’s easy to see why. This indispensable travel companion offers a convenient solution to the many challenges listed above, keeping your devices juiced up while taking up minimal space in your luggage. Interestingly, power banks have gotten small but noticeable upgrades over the years, making them an even better choice today:

• 20,000 mAh power banks are significantly more affordable now and can charge even larger mobile devices like iPads. If you’re using a standard mobile phone, you can get at least six full charges from your 20,000 mAh bank.

• Compatibility issues are now a thing of the past. Most popular power banks come with multiple USB-C/A ports to ensure you can power your favorite devices on the go.

Remember, more isn’t necessarily always better when it comes to power banks. If you’re only traveling with your phone, you probably don’t need a bulky multi-device power bank to get you through a trip.

The best part? They’re readily available. A reliable ZAGG or Miady power bank can be delivered to your doorstep in less than a day, making these charging solutions perfect for those last-minute packers.

Multi-Port Wall Chargers

Multi-port USB wall chargers allow travelers to charge multiple devices simultaneously from a single wall outlet. They might not be as portable as power banks, but they’re necessary for most modern travelers, considering we rarely step out with just our phones. If you’re looking to charge your smartwatch, phone, tablet, or laptop on the go, this is your best bet.

• Charging Speeds: Power banks might offer a seemingly endless reservoir of charge, but they can occasionally slack when it comes to charging speeds. A reliable wall charger gives you the optimized charging speed you need to get to full charge as quickly as possible.

Newer chargers also feature smart charging technology that dynamically allocates power to each connected device. If you’re someone who often Googles things like “Do phone cases cause overheating,” you’ll be happy to know this technology cleverly prevents overcharging.

• Less Clutter: Carrying a charger for each device can be a huge hassle, especially when you’re trying to pack up before that return flight. Using a multi-device wall charger lets you consolidate all those cables and chargers into a single cohesive unit, minimizing clutter and helping organize your space.

Car Chargers

No road trip is complete without a reliable, heavy-duty car charger. These chargers plug into your vehicle’s 12V DC outlet and power your devices every step of the way. A significant advantage of using car chargers is that they can add additional functionality to your travel setup. For instance, if you’re using an iPhone, you can use a MagSafe-compatible car charger to juice up your phone and convert it into a GPS unit for easier navigation.

If you’re traveling with multiple devices, consider getting a charger that features multiple outlets and supports quick charging. Quick-charge compatible chargers can significantly reduce charge times and give you a quick boost during short stops.

Solar-Powered Chargers

Although solar-powered chargers are still relatively new, they offer a unique and environmentally friendly way to power your favorite mobile devices on the go. Solar-powered chargers use photovoltaic cells to harness sunlight and convert it into electrical energy, effectively providing a renewable power source for small devices like mobile phones and smartwatches.

Worried about running out of juice in an area with unstable weather? Modern solar-powered solutions offer hybrid charging functionalities, allowing travelers to load up with a certain amount of charge at an outlet before heading out. That said, solar-powered chargers will still gradually charge even in cloudy conditions.

Travel at 100%

From unforgettable world tours to those hectic work trips, packing a reliable charging solution is an absolute must for any traveler today. Consider your needs carefully before investing in a high-quality charging solution. If you’re traveling heavy, it pays to pack a multi-port wall charger. Light travelers, on the other hand, can typically get away with a simple power bank.